‘A dream day’ for Billy’s event

Billy Kendall football tournament and fun day at The Dusty Miller, Hove Edge.'Organisers with auction items, from the left, Andrew Pearson, Steve Galloway and William Sandham.

Published:11:11Sunday 22 July 2012

HUNDREDS of people came out in force for the first ever Billy Kendall Tournament and family fund day.

The event was organised by friends of family of Billy, a Brighouse soldier serving with the Prince of Wales own Regiment in Yorkshire, who died unexpectedly whilst on leave.

Billy Kendall football tournament at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School.'Minute of applause before the matches.

Supporting Help for Heroes and SADS UK, the day raised £3,000 which will be shared equally.

One of the organisers Andrew Pearson said: “It was a dream day. We had great support and lots of families came which was fantastic.

“We have been absolutely staggered by people’s generosity. We had people coming up on the day donating raffle prizes.

“People were coming up to us already asking about next year. We will definitely be looking to do something again for Billy.

Billy Kendall football tournament and fun day at The Dusty Miller, Hove Edge.'Brighouse Old Boys.

“I want to say a massive thank you to all the teams involved, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School for letting us use the facilities free of charge, all the volunteers and people who have helped organise the event, the businesses for their generosity, the Dusty Miller and everyone who came along on the day.”

The day started with a round robin football tournament involving Brighouse Old Boys, Brighouse Town, Riverside FC from Nottingham and the re-formed Punch Bowl team, and acknowledged Billy with a minutes applause.

Proceedings moved to the Dusty Miller, Hove Edge, where there was a feast of family fun including a bouncy castle, stocks, barbecue, face paining, raffles and raffle. There was also an auction for numerous sporting memorabilia and other prizes.

Dad Kenny Kendall said of the event: “It was absolutely brilliant. The job the guys did in organising everything was great and Robert Wilde at the Dusty Miller was fantastic.

“It is lovely these young lads still remember Billy and wanted to do something. As a family we couldn’t of asked for a better day. It was really nice.”